Officials take ‘strategic’ step to bring Vijay Mallya to India

The first extradition appeal is already ongoing and proceeding against him, as per India’s request, is set to start in the next 90 days.

&nbspPhoto Credit:&nbspIndiatimes

New Delhi: In a strategic move, the Indian government has decided to drop second extradition appeal against beleaguered businessman Vijay Mallya, who is currently residing in the United Kingdom.

The first extradition appeal is already ongoing and proceeding against him, as per India’s request, is set to start in the next 90 days.

The second extradition appeal in Mallya's case originates from a money laundering case filed against him by the Enforcement Directorate while the first emanates from a CBI case of defrauding the public sector banks.

The ED has already revoked the absconder’s passport in its case last year and had also sought a red corner notice against the former business tycoon from the Interpol.

The government has not filed the second plea as both the appeals, which pertain to different accusations, may collide. This is because loan default is only a civil offense in the UK, but money laundering is a criminal offense under UK laws.

The Indian officials have planned to align both its appeals to make the case stronger against the former ‘king of good times’.

Therefore, the govt has decided that a single extradition case, which includes twin charges of fraud and money laundering, would strengthen its case.

India and Uk have a nearly two-decade-old extradition treaty in place.

Officials take ‘strategic’ step to bring Vijay Mallya to India Description:The first extradition appeal is already ongoing and proceeding against him, as per India’s request, is set to start in the next 90 days.Times Now